A 75-years-old male patient, Mr. M. D (PIN 20175) started online treatment under the care of Dr. Rajesh Shah on 28th December 2016. He was suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia since 2012, after undergoing the procedure for his decayed tooth extraction. His pain would start on the right side of the tongue, and it would spread to the right side of the lower jaw. He was suffering from the sudden episodes of intense electric shock-like pain which would last for 4-5 hours and would subside only after taking the dose of Tablet Tegretol 100 mg. The dose of conventional medicines made him feel dizzy and drowsy. He was experiencing a difficulty while talking and an inability to chew or swallow the food, to brush his teeth, and rinse his mouth. Also, the draft of air or sitting in an Air conditioner or under the fan would worsen his complaints. Every day he would suffer 2-3 episodes of episodes of the pain which would last for the hours unless he takes Tablet Tegretol. His sleep was highly disturbed as the pain would wake him up in the middle of the night. His condition was so severe that he would cry due to the pain and was depressed and hopeless in attaining recovery.

Past History:
In the past, he suffered from Psoriasis which was successfully treated by Dr. Rajesh Shah's Homeopathic medicines. In his mid-30s, he had frequent episodes of Allergic rhinitis.

Family History:
There was a strong history of Cancer in his family. His sister suffered from Breast Cancer, and his brother was also a Cancer patient. His mother suffered from Asthma.

Physical Generals:
He didn't have any specific likes and dislikes in food and drinks. His appetite was reduced due to Trigeminal Neuralgia pain. He was sensitive to the cold temperature. He had no urinary complaints, and his stools were also satisfactory. His sleep was disturbed due to the pain. 

Self & Family Set-Up:
He was a retired Engineer staying with his wife and son in Bangalore. He was originally from Assam. He was anxious by nature and needed the things to be organized always. There was no major stress in his life, except, in 2013, he had some personal issues which affected his positive reputation in the society. 

Prescription:
Dr. Shah studied his case in detail and evaluated all his reports thoroughly. Based on this, Dr. Shah prescribed him SANGUINARIA-200 and advised the patient to continue with his previous Tablet. Tegretol 100mg thrice per day too, as stopping Tablet. Tegretol abruptly could have increased his complaints. The plan of treatment was explained to the patient with proper dietary restrictions and care to be taken.

Follow-Ups:
In the first follow-up dated 21st Jan 2017, he reported a 15%-20% improvement in his complaints. The frequency and duration of the episodes of pain were as it is, but the intensity of pain was reduced by 20%. He was advised to continue the medicines along with his conventional medicines, and Dr. Shah prescribed his stronger medicines for further recovery.

In the next follow-up, there was a drastic improvement in his complaints. On 22nd March 2017, he was better by 75%. He no more suffered from severe episodes of painful attacks. He only experienced heaviness which would last for 10 seconds to 1 minute. This time he experienced an improvement not only at a physical level but also mentally. He was better than earlier and was hoping for the further recovery. Still, he was continuing with Tablet. Tegretol 100 mg thrice a day. As he was doing well, it was advised to him to taper the dose of Tablet. Tegretol 100mg to twice a day and give us updates after a few days.

On 5th May 2017, the patient reported that his complaints had increased after tapering the dose of Tablet. Tegretol. Dr. Shah revised his case and prescribed another set of medicines to him, without increasing the dose of Tablet Tegretol.

At the end of 16 months of Homeopathic treatment, there was an overall 80% relief in his complaints. The pain in his right side of the tongue and right jaw was completely relieved, and only heaviness was left. He was able to enjoy his food now. He no more suffered from the inability to chew and swallow the food. Also, the dose of Tablet. Tegretol 100 mg was reduced to once per day.

Conclusion:
No other disease that a human suffers can be more painful than a terribly painful Trigeminal Neuralgia. It is a difficult disease to treat. The conventional treatment is partially effective, and it always needs an alternative treatment which is best offered by Homeopathy. If one adds the homeopathic treatment to the regimen, it is likely that the pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia can be controlled faster than anything else. Also, the need for higher doses of the conventional medicines can be avoided along with the serious adverse effects of the same.

- Written by Dr. Mithila K, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah